What Are the Ingredients for Funnel Cakes?

Funnel cakes are made up of a long stream of batter that is piped out of specialized funnel into hot oil and fried. The batter is piped into a round shape, resembling a thin cake. The cooked funnel cakes come out hot, with crisp exteriors. The inside of the piped strands are somewhat doughy, but fluffy and light. The funnel cakes are usually covered with a heavy layer of powdered sugar and served hot.

Flour

Flour gives the funnel cakes body and structure. When the flour is mixed with water, it forms a protein called gluten, which makes the funnel cakes slightly chewy.

Salt

Salt will add flavor to the funnel cakes.

Baking Powder

Baking powder adds carbon dioxide to the batter, which connects to air bubbles in the batter and helps them puff up in the hot oil. This makes the funnel cakes light and fluffy.

Milk

Milk helps give the funnel cake flavor and also contains the water the flour will mix with to form gluten. The liquid will also keep the batter fluid so it can be funneled into the hot oil.

Eggs

Eggs help bind all the ingredients together, adding flavor and richness.

Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness to the funnel cakes also adds to the funnel cakes' crispness as it caramelizes during frying.

Resources

• Funnel cake recipe from Mom's Who Think.